Instead of heading down to the same, crowded and boring restaurant that you and your significant other have been frequenting since the first date, why not try something new?
Instead of heading down to the same, crowded and boring restaurant that you and your significant other have been frequenting since the first date, why not try something new? Singapore has an abundance of laid-back and chill places with beautiful, tranquil restaurants that will impress the dating skeptics.
From extravagant restaurants to laid-back ones, we have featured a list of lovely, serene places that exude comforting vibes. Here is our cheat sheet to chill date night locations in Singapore with amazing food and great ambience—we guarantee that you will find one that catches your heart and satisfies your stomach. So check out these best dining spots that are worth traveling for!
1. Rochester Park: Noshery
Several bungalows that were gazetted for conservation in the hillside park have been now converted into restaurants in the lush tropical greenery of Rochester Park.
This secret food enclave offers an alternative to the likes of Dempsey Hill as an escape from the urban jungle and constant crowd in Singapore. There are both outdoor and indoor dining experiences, and a perfect combination of rustic charm and urban appeal.
My favourite eatery here would be Nosh by the Noshery, which is set in a cozy, quiet corner of the hilltop amidst the greenery. Known as one of Singapore’s best weekend brunch spots, it is perfect for a date night with its globally-inspired, casual bistro cuisine away from the usual crowd.
I would recommend the Duck Confit Pappardelle ($19) and the Shrimp Laksa Tagliatelle ($19) which used local flavours like coconut curry and laksa pesto. Instead of going for the usual truffle fries, give their garlic fries ($6) a try. Delicious and served in a big bowl, they would keep you coming back for more.
Address: 9 Rochester Park 139220
Opening Hours: Mon-Tues (closed), Wed-Fri (11.30am-10.30pm), Sat-Sun (10.30am-3pm, 6-10.30pm)
Phone: 9755 5015
How to get there: It’s a short walk down North Buona Vista Rd, just 5mins away from Buona Vista MRT. You can get there via buses 74, 91, 92, 191, 196 & 200.
2. Seletar Aerospace Park: Wheeler’s Estate
Old school black and white buildings? Yes, please! This spacious area of refurbished colonial bungalows is a food enclave, housing a handful of eateries which have mouth-watering food and beautiful backdrops for your Instagram-itchy hands.
Take a leisure stroll around the estate with your loved one or friends, or simply lay a picnic basket on one of the lush lawns without many disturbances. I would suggest going around evening time to enjoy the twinkling fairy lights and the golden-hour twilight glow for that perfect romantic backdrop.
Remember Wheeler’s Yard? Now there’s Wheeler’s Estate – an upgraded and bigger version of Wheeler’s Yard.
You would not be disappointed by the standard of the food as it perfectly matches the unique charm of this place. Feast in spacious verandahs, soak in the fresh air, and chill with some live tunes by the bar!
Portions are generous, but the prices might be a bit over what people would want to fork out. There are different menus for different times of the day, with breakfast items such as Feed Me Breakfast ($26) – the usual affair of eggs, bacon, sausages, roasted mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, potato rosti and bulldog sauce – and light starters (most with seafood, though) such as Spiced Wedges ($15), and Grilled Octopus ($22).
We decided to go straight into substantial mains after ordering a side of truffle fries. The dinner menu includes the Tequila & Lime Pork Spare Ribs ($50), and Sous-vide Pork Jowl ($28). I personally thoroughly enjoyed the meal, as the pork jowl was just the right kind of tender and melted in my mouth. It was truly succulent.
Furthermore, there is an airplane-themed playground in the middle of a large grass patch for you and your other half to let loose and have a little fun.
Address: 2 Park Lane, Seletar Aerospace Park, Singapore 798386
Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays, Tues-Thurs (12-11pm), Friday (12pm-12am), Sat (9am-12am), Sun (9am-11pm)
Phone: 6262 0001
How to get there: Walk from Punggol MRT. You can get there via buses 103 and 117.
3. Dempsey Hill: HOUSE
This place requires a bit of navigation to get to. But once you arrive, you’ll realise it’s all worth it. One would not expect the site of the old British army barracks to become one of the hottest and most happening food sanctuaries in Singapore with its avant-garde string of watering holes. More than just a dining spot, there are specialty grocers, divine massages, and adorable boutiques for any couple to try in this hip neighbourhood.
HOUSE may have already been popular with their usual crowd, but it is still one of the most underrated restaurants around. You could choose to eat inside, and take in the comely surroundings through the ceiling-to-floor glass panels, or dine alfresco in the lush woodlands, where soft jazz music loops and wine glasses clink intermittently.
We bought the one-metre long sausage just for the fun of it (that is, if you’re willing to pay $28 just to laugh at it), steaming mussels pot and Baby (got) Back Ribs. I would not recommend buying the sausage if you are with some really hungry people, it definitely makes an interesting Instagram photo. Overall, the dishes were extraordinarily comforting and pleasing to my taste buds.
Address: 8D Dempsey Rd, 249672
Phone: 6475 7787
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs (9am-9.30pm), Friday (9am-10pm), Sat (10am-10pm), Sun (10am-9.30pm)
How to get there: Walk from Orchard MRT. You can get there via buses 7, 105, 123, 174, 75, 77, 106 from Holland Road or 66, 151, 153, 154 67, 171 from Bukit Timah Road.
4. Botanic Gardens: Halia
Hip dining hoods come and go, but the refined serenity of Botanic Gardens never goes out of style. Take a trek up through the stunning, peaceful nature slopes towards some of the most awe-inspiring restaurants settled in a blanket of tranquility.
I loved the wooden, rustic and earthy vibes that the restaurant exuded. We sat in the corner of a raised wooden area that made me feel like I was on a little treetop house. The vibes are fantastic as it’s unpretentious and there is an airy ambience, making you feel like you are dining in a foreign land. There is this unassuming comfort that makes dining amidst the Ginger Garden all too indulging.
The 2-course set lunch ($28) is rather value for money as the courses are extremely satisfying and a main dish on its own would cost approximately $28.
I tried the Oven-baked Halibut Fillet ($33), which tasted very oriental and yet unique. Their ginger theme was portrayed through the hints of ginger in every dish.
Address: 1 Cluny Road (Ginger Garden), Singapore Botanic Garden, 259569
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs (9am-9.30pm), Friday (9am-10pm), Sat (10am-10pm), Sun (10am-9.30pm)
Phone: 8444 1148
How to get there: Take the train to Botanic Gardens MRT or take buses 48, 66, 67, 151, 153, 154, 156, 170, 171, 186.
5. Ann Siang Hill: Ariaroof Bar
Ann Siang Hill is a gorgeous heritage neighbourhood well-known for its laid-back vibes, trendy bars, and intimate restaurants. Home to restored shophouses (with pretty Peranakan tiles for the ‘gram!) that house clan associations, restaurants, bars and niche boutiques, this place is the epitome of a chill date night location. Take a romantic stroll along the hidden green space behind the row of shophouses to end the day off well.
Here is a rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views, furnished with comfortable sofas – a lovely place to chill and get to know your date more. Treat your date to a unique, fruity cocktail or a tantalising Sicilian dish to impress her. While this may burst the budget for some, having a meal in a restaurant overlooking the city maybe somewhat more adventurous and romantic than the usual date. Extravagant, but the view from the top is always more beautiful. Too much for the first date? Take it down a notch by going to the warm, sophisticated restaurant on the ground floor, with equally impressive Northern Italian dishes and equally chill vibes.
Address: 33 Erskine Road, The Scarlet Hotel, Rooftop, 069333
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday (5.30-11.30pm), closed on Sundays
Phone: 6836 4647
How to get there: Nearest Chinatown MRT Station is 3 mins away. Alternatively, you can take buses 80 or 145.
